Shanah Tovah! – A Good Year

Last night our family celebrated the Feast of Trumpets (aka Rosh Hashanah).?? No – we are not Jewish but Judaism is the root of??our Christian faith.?? The Biblical Holidays were celebrated by the first century Gentiles but unfortunately, this precious baby got thrown out with the bathwater when in the 2nd century the Gentiles began trying to separate themselves from the Jews due to growing anti-semitism.?? As a Christian, these biblical holidays have very special significance.?? The Feast of Booths (Sukkot), which is coming up in two weeks will be celebrated in the Millenial Kingdom and Gentiles will be required to participate as well.?? Why not get a head start???;)

We aren’t celebrating these holidays legalistically.?? We aren’t required to celebrate them.?? BUT, we have just decided that we have been missing out and we want to.?? Did you know that the Spring Biblical Holidays – Passover, Unleavened Bread, and First Fruits, all have beautiful symbolism of the Messiah’s first coming – death and resurrection??? The Fall Holidays seem to be prophetic of the Messiah’s rapture and Second Coming – Feast of Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah), Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), and Feast of Booths (Sukkot).?? Next week is Yom Kippur and the week after is Sukkot so we are looking forward to a month full of holidays!??

Last night we opened our evening with our resident matriarch (Grammy) lighting the candles and praying for us.?? Then our kids blew their “trumpets” in a symbolic order.?? Our meal had quite a bit of symbolism in it celebrating both the creation of the world, and the future coming of the Messiah.?? Daniel has been leading a study on Nehemiah over the last couple of months and has been teaching on repentance.?? In the book of Nehemiah,??the nation of Israel came together in repentance (after returning to the homeland after the Exile) and this grand day “happened” to coincide with the Feast of Trumpets.?? Wish I could have seen that particular Rosh Hashanah (from a distance 😉 ).

We had such a fun time and are looking forward to next week’s celebration already – even though it will be a “Daniel Fast” :)?? P.S.?? To all family members reading this who did not receive an invite to this grand celebration – this year the three homeschool families wanted to celebrate it as part of our childrens education.?? If you want in on the fun though, let your sister know:)

Aunt Beck is homeschooling Jenna this year as well.?? She took it upon herself to make a Rosh Hashanah poster for us.

The kids blowing their trumpets (kazoos) :).?? Anyone have an extra shofar for next year LOL? 🙂

The meal included:?? Meatloaf/Potato Cake and Chicken Pot Pie – celebration theme.?? Challah – a traditional Jewish bread.?? Carrots – in Hebrew the word means “to increase”.?? Carrots are a common menu item as part of this celebration is prayers for a bountiful new year (RH is the start of the Jewish New Year).?? Several items with apples and or honey to remind us of the sweetness of God, His coming Kingdom, and hope for a “sweet” new year:?? Autumn Apple Punch, Brooke made a pomegranate and apple centerpiece that was very pretty, fruit kabobs with dip, Trumpet Balls, Apples from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Apple Pie, and Grammy made a traditional Jewish Honey Cake.

Meatloaf/Potato “Cake”

Tanner picked these out when he needed to pick out a “Temptation Apple” from our Garden of Eden Field Trip LOL.?? He thought they should be saved for Rosh Hashanah.

Sweetie made this pretty Challah in the shape of a crown – reminder of our coming King.

Fruit Dip Recipe for Aunt Beck:?? 1 jar Marshmallow Cream, 4 ounces cream cheese, coconut extract, rum extract, and pineapple extract and a bit of honey.?? Not sure the proportions, I improvised as I went along 🙂